Let’s Talk Mobile

Let’s Talk Mobile
Society, on the whole, has become more connected than ever. In fact, sources like Mashable.com are reporting that by 2013, more people will be using mobile devices to browse the Internet than computers. And why not? Free Wi-Fi is easy to come by these days. Chains like Starbucks and McDonalds, even your local dentist likely offers Wi-Fi now!

With the availability of instant connectivity, people are spending more time away from home. What that also means is that we, as consumers, have become more accustomed to the idea of “instant gratification.” Are you, as a business owner, leaving money for your competitors by not capitalizing on mobile trends?

Why Your Business Needs A Mobile Website

When potential customers are on the go, they are looking for easy to access information. They don’t want to go through the trouble of having to resize your site and scroll endlessly to find the information they are looking for. Mobile search-ability is big business, especially when potential customers are trying to find information in a hurry.

Don’t forget the commerce side of having a mobile website. Having a fully functional, mobile optimized website can turn potential patrons into actual customers. Through location based software, your business can offer time sensitive coupons to people that are searching nearby. You can even take your business a step further with SMS marketing.

Effective SMS Marketing Can Grow Your Business

Consumers love to pay less for what they were already going to buy anyway. What better way to give them what they want than with coupons? By having customers opt in to your SMS messages in exchange for a discount or coupon, you gain twofold. First, by giving them exactly what they want, and secondly by building brand loyalty.

With coupon and discount codes coming directly to their mobile device, it is easy for them to frequent your business. Remember, mobile use is growing exponentially over desktop computer usage, and people are more likely to open and read text messages these days than email.

Why Not Make It Fun?

Have you thought about QR codes? With so many smartphones on the market, give your customers another way to stay connected.

QR codes can be scanned by any smartphone camera to reveal anything you can think up. Send people to a website, or an audio file, or a cool video that they can share. With QR codes, you can do all sorts of things to keep your customers engaged.

Kick It Up A Notch With A Mobile App

Mobile apps are perfect for sharing instant information with your customers. With interactive features like push notifications, you can turn your mobile app into a coupon machine! Link your mobile app with your social media accounts, and you’re giving your company a way to directly interact with the folks who buy from you. People love to do business with PEOPLE they know and trust. Digital interaction should not be underutilized when your business is trying to stay connected to its customers.

Google + Local

Speaking of trust, have you claimed your Google+ Local Mobile Listing yet? With the power of Google’s algorithms, optimizing your mobile listing allows your customers to connect not only to you, but also to each other. Here they can write reviews and share your business with their friends.

Claiming your listing also allows you the chance to respond to any bad experiences people may have had in the past, and show potential customers that you are willing to do what it takes to insure your customers have a favorable view.

Mobile is only going to continue to grow. While this trend is still on the rise, now is the time to make sure your business isn’t being left behind.